Trimming your dog’s nails is more important than you may naturally think—failing to do so can result in discomfort, pain, and serious health concerns for your pet. Nevertheless, many of us dread trimming our dog’s nails, and canines aren't typically too fond of the process either.
Image credits: Tima Miroshnichenko
The good news is that you don't really have to spend $20 or $50 monthly on nail trims at the vet or groomer. The right nail clippers can eliminate the anxiety of cutting the nails for both of you.
We at Bored Panda tirelessly looked through multiple nail clippers, trimmers, and complete nail kits to bring you the most reliable, top-rated canine grooming tools. We compared key features and user reviews and listened to what pet experts say about the best dog trimmers for your pooch.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Trimmer $19.99
Best Affordable Clippers: Coastal Pet Safari Professional Dog Nail Trimmer $12.80
Best Complete Nail Care: YABIFE Pet Nail Kit $19.95
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate at the time of publication. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
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Best Affordable Clippers: Coastal Pet Safari Professional Dog Nail Trimmer
Best For | Dog owners looking for the best grip handle
You can rely on the Coastal Pet Safari Professional Dog Nail Trimmer for excellent performance as it boasts high-quality stainless steel that remains sharp and durable over time, provided it is well-maintained.
This trimmer features a double-bladed edge with a tension spring, allowing efficient and precise cuts. The safety stop is sturdy and reliable but can be removed if needed. Plus, the Safari trimmer’s chunky rubber grip handles make it easier for anxious owners to hold and use it steadily.
What we like:
• The chunky, non-slip grip makes it easy to trim without slipping
• Good maneuverability and precise trimming, even on little paws.
• The high-quality stainless steel trimmer stays sharp through lots of trims
• Listed at nearly half the price of similar clippers
What we don't like:
• The trimmer may rust if the nail guard isn't removed
Best Nail Clippers For Big Dogs: Millers Forge Large Dog Nail Clippers
Best For | Pet owners looking for a tool that can withstand frequent use
The Millers Forge Dog Nail Clip is a highly efficient and reliable tool with superior performance. Made in Italy with utmost precision and expertise, these clippers are heavy-duty and built to last. They have become the preferred choice of professionals due to their incredible durability and unmatched ability to cut even the toughest nails without splintering. Plus, they are extremely easy to sanitize.
What we like:
• Cuts through thick nails effortlessly
• Provides a clean cut without splinters
• Built for professionals
• Made in Italy
What we don't like:
• Unpadded plastic grip feels slippy
Best Guillotine Trimmer: Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Trimmer
Best For | Professionals and people with multiple pets
The Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clippers were first introduced in 1937, and Resco has maintained its reputation for manufacturing top-tier, guillotine-style nail trimmers in the USA ever since. These clippers are designed with alloy steel blades, offering a sharp and clean cut through any nails, large or small.
Replacing the blades is easy with patented technology, ensuring a sharp clipper without breaking the bank. The premium powder coat finish keeps the clippers rust-free, even when not cleaned well.
The Resco Deluxe Dog Nail Clippers come with a lifetime warranty, which, combined with the ability to change out blades as needed, means this is likely to be the last clippers you buy.
What we like:
• Easy to see the cut
• Affordable, replaceable blades
• Premium powder coat
• Lifetime warranty
• Made in the US
What we don't like:
• Slick, wide grip
• No safety stop
Best Nail Clippers for Small Dogs: Epica Professional Dog Nail Clipper
Best For | Small dog owners
The Epica Professional Dog Nail Clipper is a high-quality tool that makes pet grooming a breeze. With semi-circular blades crafted from top-grade stainless steel, you can be sure that this clipper will stay sharp through many cuts, making trimming your dog’s nails a quick and easy process. Plus, the unique blade shape lets you see where the cut will be, ensuring a clean and precise trim.
The rubber-coated handles are designed to provide a comfortable, non-slip grip, which is especially useful during longer grooming sessions. The spring action also makes it easy to keep clipping without a pause. Overall, the Epica Professional Dog Nail Clipper is an excellent choice for pet owners who want a high-quality, reliable tool.
What we like:
• Semi-circular blades make it easier to see exactly where you’re cutting
• The rubber-coated handles offer a secure, non-slip grip
• Available in large sizes as well
What we don't like:
• Screws and the safety stop may become loose over time
Best Dog Clippers For Hard Nails: Gonicc Dog And Cat Pets Nail Clippers
Best For | Pet owners looking for a reliable, safe, and easy-to-use clipper
The Gonicc Nail Clippers are affordable, intelligently designed, straightforward clippers that get the job done. The smooth design of the handles and controls for the safety lock makes these trimmers intuitive and easy to use.
These clippers are available in sizes for large and medium dogs, cats, and small animals. A hidden nail file in the handle is handy for smoothing sharp edges after clipping.
What we like:
• Non-slip, ergonomic design
• Available in more than one size
What we don't like:
• The nail guard is too far back for dogs with shorter nails
• The included nail file isn't robust enough
Best Complete Nail Care for Dogs: Yabife Pet Nail Kit
Best For | Pet owners of small and medium-sized dogs
The YABIFE Pet Nail Kit includes a professional-grade nail clipper and a grinder with three adjustable speeds and grinding ports. The quiet grinder is designed to avoid snagging fur, which is perfect for nervous pets.
With a built-in LED lighting feature, avoiding the quick while trimming your pet’s nails has never been easier. Moreover, the grinder cover prevents fur snags, ensuring the process is safe and hassle-free. The battery life of the grinder is impressive, and it can last through several trims before needing a USB recharge.
What we like:
• Adjustable settings depending on nail hardness
• Protective cover
• Long-lasting battery
• Quiet Operation
• Built-in LED lights
What we don't like:
• The placement of the power, speed, and light buttons makes it easy to trigger them while trimming accidentally
• Not suitable for large dogs
Practical Choice: Miracle Care Kwik Stop Styptic Powder
Even using the best dog nail clippers, mistakes can happen. Best Dog Nail Clippers Miracle Care Kwik Stop Styptic Powder is a must-have for pet owners and professional groomers. This fast-acting powder is designed to stop bleeding quickly when your pet’s nails are clipped too short or suffer a minor superficial cut. It also relieves pain.
It’s easy to apply with a cotton pad or just by dabbing it on the nail and applying pressure. Pads and gels work, too, but this powder is a standard for groomers and vets. Plus, the convenient size makes it easy to store or take on the go.
Why Should You Trim Your Dog’s Nail Regularly
Neglecting your dog’s nails can lead to discomfort and pain or even severe health issues. When the nails are too long, they can get caught on carpets, furniture, or outdoor surfaces, causing them to break or rip off. This can result in further injuries, such as broken toes or bones, as your pet struggles to free themselves. Overgrown nails can also make walking uncomfortable, leading to posture changes, joint pain, and alignment issues.
Whether you have a large dog that wears their nails down naturally or a small dog whose nails grow continuously, choosing the right tool and using it regularly is essential. Opt for easy-to-use nail clippers that won't cause anxiety to you or your dog so that you both can look forward to regular nail trims without the dread.
How to Choose the Best Dog Nail Clippers for Your Dog
There are a lot of clippers on the market, each seemingly very similar to the next. Here’s what you need to know before choosing the right dog clippers.
Consider which type of clippers you need. Guillotine-style is perfect for small to medium-sized dogs because it allows for precision cuts, making it easy to see where the quick is on little nails. On the other hand, plastic-style clippers offer the leverage and power needed to cut through hard, thick nails seamlessly. If you want a less invasive approach, try grinder tools that gradually file down the nail.
Evaluate safety features. Safety guards can help prevent cutting the quick (a soft cuticle that contains the blood vessels and nerves), but they’re not a guarantee, and they can also get in the way of seeing the nail clearly. Carefully adjust the safety guard to ensure only the appropriate amount of nail goes through, or remove it so you can see clearly where the cut needs to be made.
Select the appropriate handle. Ergonomically designed handles with non-slip grips ensure a secure hold. On the other hand, easy-to-clean plastic handles make it easy to sanitize the clippers. If you’re the average pet owner who only uses the clippers on their household pets and isn't worried about disease transfer, you’ll be better off with a chunky, easy-to-grip handle.
Choose a blade that will last. Sharp and durable stainless steel blades are key to a clipper’s longevity. If you’re a dog groomer, a vet, or a dog owner who frequently trims their dog’s nails, pick clippers that offer blade replacement options.
Pick clippers based on your dog’s size or breed. Large dogs with thick nails may require stronger, more robust clippers, while smaller dogs might benefit from a more delicate approach.
FAQ
How often should you grind your dog’s nails?
Nail grinding or trimming frequency depends on your dog’s activity level and nail growth rate. Generally, we recommend every 3-4 weeks. If nails grow too quickly, bi-monthly trims are needed. Dogs walking on hard surfaces may need less frequent grinding. Overgrown nails require weekly trimming until an appropriate length.
Which type of nail clippers are best for dogs?
The type of nail clippers best suited for your dog depends on the size of your dog and your personal preference. Guillotine nail clippers are often recommended for precise cutting for small to medium-sized dogs. Meanwhile, using large or plier-style clippers is more effective for bigger dogs with thicker nails.
Is it better to grind or cut dog nails?
Grinding and cutting each have pros and cons. You can choose the best method based on your dog’s nail sensitivity and condition. Grinding is less stressful and can prevent hitting the quick, while cutting is faster but requires caution. Many pet owners use a combination of both methods for optimal results.
What do dog groomers use to trim nails?
Professional dog groomers use different tools to trim nails, depending on the dog’s size and nail condition. They use plier-style clippers for larger dogs and guillotine clippers for smaller pets. They also use electric nail grinders to smooth out the edges after cutting.
